Portsmouth strikes up new 11-year deal with Brittany Ferries to remain at international port

Portsmouth City Council leader Cllr Donna Jones yesterday signed off the plans, a move which she says is a huge win for the region’s economy.

It allows Brittany to continue its operations at Portsmouth International Port until at least 2027.

And while a breakdown of the finances have not been revealed, Cllr Jones says the council is expected to make more cash from Brittany Ferries in the new deal through its port fee contributions.

Clawing back extra cash was part of efforts to ensure there is more money being generated overall by the port, which the council owns, to go back into the local authority’s budget.

Speaking after approving the deal, Cllr Jones, who is also in charge of the city’s planning, regeneration and economic development, said: ‘Since running the city, we’ve made sure we have reviewed all the major contracts the council has.

‘The relationship with Brittany, which is the authority’s fourth largest contract, is a strong relationship.

‘For us to have certainty from our biggest contractor, who will now operate in the city through to 2027, is very good news for the city.

‘Brittany Ferries transports hundreds of thousands of people through ports across to the continent, and particularly Santander, Caen and Le Havre.’

Cllr Jones added that Brittany’s current deal at the port was due to expire in December.

The company has operated cross-channel ferries services from the city since 1976.

Brittany Ferries says its delighted with the deal.

A company spokesman said: ‘We’re very happy with the deal which follows careful negotiation with our partners at the city council.

‘The deal is good for the people of Portsmouth and it’s good for ferry travellers.

‘We’re proud to have been the International Port’s only continuous customer since it opened in 1976, and we look forward to many more years with Portsmouth serving as our international hub.’

The deal comes in the same week Portsmouth culture boss, Cllr Linda Symes, agreed to allow Victorious Festival to stay in the city through to 2027 should they so wish.

Contracts will be signed committing the event team to Portsmouth until 2025.

They will then be given the option of staying on until 2027.